Girls' track: Lunenburg gearing up for postseason

LUNENBURG -- The Lunenburg girls indoor track team is right where it wants to be.

The Blue Knights are currently a perfect 6-0 with two meets remaining this week before the focus shifts solely to the championship season.

Lunenburg will undoubtedly be a favorite in the Wachusett League C championship meet, and is looking to repeat as the Division 2 district champion. The Blue Knights' success thus far is due to a strong mix of veterans and talented newcomers.

"The season has been going pretty well," Lunenburg girls' coach Steve Kyajohnian said. "We have a lot of new kids, but obviously the veterans are taking it to the next level. The younger kids are learning and some of them are contributing."

Lunenburg has 35 girls on the team, about one-third of which are eighth-graders -- a new addition after the district restructured its grades for the high school level.

"The eighth-graders are new this year," Kyajohnian said. "That is definitely going to help, especially down the road."

Lunenburg has one more big hurdle prior to the championship season, as it takes on Littleton on Wednesday at Fitchburg High. The final meet will be held Saturday against Oakmont.

The Wachusett League C championship will take place on Jan. 30 at Fitchburg High School. The Blue Knights' toughest competition might be Narragansett, which they defeated in dual-meet action, 53-38, on Dec. 22.

"Narragansett is going to be the team to beat (in Wachusett C)," Kyajohnian said.

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"They have four or five girls that lead that team. We'll be right in the mix, Littleton will be in the mix. Bromfield and Oakmont have a few stars, but you never know what's going to happen on that day. We have a little bit of depth in the relays, so we'll try to do well in them."

The district meet falls on Feb. 9 and will also be held at the Doug Grutchfield Field House. Kyajohnian expects Narragansett's strength in a handful of top performers -- as well as threats from South Worcester County teams -- could create problems for Lunenburg repeating as champion.

Senior Sydney Sanford is the top 600-meter runner in Wachusett C and will look to be huge piece for the Blue Knights' postseason push.

"The 600 is Sanford's event, but she also runs the 300, mile relay and 4x200 relay," Kyajohnian said. "It's her senior year and she's one of the top runners in the 600. She has a great work ethic and shows great leadership and is a role model."

Sophomore Brook Hansel is one of the best distance runners in Division 2 and has the ability to score big points in the 2-mile, mile and 1,000.

"(Hansel) is probably the last kid to leave practice at night," Kyajohnian said. "She always does the weight-room stuff. She puts a lot of time into it, and it obviously pays off."

Freshman Sophia Holman emerged as the best 55-meter hurdles runner in Wachusett C, and also is a threat in the 55 dash. Senior Heidi Giancola is the Blue Knights' best 55 dash runner, while sophomore Ashley Hyde is a utility runner who can compete in a number of events. Junior Brogan Ulf has a chance to cement herself as the best high jumper in the league as the season progresses.

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Nashoba

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Nashoba Regional is looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to Westboro when the Midland B championship rolls around. The Chieftains currently sit at 2-1 and have one dual meet remaining.

Distance always seems to be a strength for Nashoba, and Kelsey Horowitz, Natalie Bettez, Kara McCormack, Grace Dempsey and Rylee Gillen have accumulated a number of team points this season and should pose to a major threat in the championship meets. Sophomore sprinter Sarah Militano is another league favorite.

"I think we're going to have a very strong end of the year," Nashoba coach Steve Beckwith said. "Westboro is always tough, and Marlboro is going to be a challenge."

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Oakmont

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The injury bug dealt Oakmont a big blow this season, as Julia Rembetsy-Brown is out with a leg injury. However her sister, Tess Rembetsy-Brown, has taken the lead, posting solid times in the 55 hurdles.

"We've had some injuries this season," Oakmont coach Dan Dufour said. "Tess Rembetsy-Brown has been winning the hurdles like crazy. Anything I put her in, she's been strong."

Arianna Robichaud and Lisa Maki have been strong in the middle and long distances, while sophomore Izzy Ciccolini has become a force in the 300 dash.

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Leominster

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The Leominster indoor team is undergoing a resurgence with more than 45 athletes on the squad, many of whom are underclassmen.

Freshmen Erin McDowell and Gina Mican have become frontrunners in the distance events, adding to an already talented distance group. Alli DelGiudice is a strong freshman middle-distance runner, while sophomore Samantha Aviles has had a good season in the sprints.

"We're hoping to make a good showing at the (Midland A) championships," Leominster coach Karen Marino said. "We haven't been able to make a strong showing there in the last few years, but hopefully this year it will change. We have a lot more numbers and a lot more depth.

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Fitchburg

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Fitchburg has a handful of athletes expecting big things toward the end of the season. Sophomore Aisha Mathieu has had a lot of success in the high jump and sprints. Senior Aitnis Alvarez is one of the best shot putters in the area, and senior Kristene Haywood is stellar in the 300 dash.

"I think Mathieu, Alvarez and Heywood will definitely place well when it comes time for championship meets," Fitchburg coach Sara Lamey said. "Mathieu has already qualified for states. We have some decisions to make about relays in the next couple of weeks."

North Middlesex

Distance runner Chapel Guarnieri is the strongest Patriot athlete this season, and is hoping to score well in a competitive league and district distance field. Taylor Templeton has had a solid sophomore campaign in the sprints thus far.

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Gardner

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It has been a disappointing year team-wise for the Gardner High girls, as the squad has less than 10 athletes. Distance runner Felcia Banda, shot putter Cameo Dorais and sprinter Aly Comeau should be looking forward to a championship season that will allow them to achieve individual milestones.

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Monty Tech

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Monty Tech is enjoying its first year of having an indoor track program. So far, shot putter Halley Martin has been leading the way for the Bulldogs, throwing in the mid-20s. Sophomores Shannon Whittemore in the 55 hurdles and Katie Andrews in distance are other athletes making contributions.

"The competition of the championship meets is going to be great," Monty Tech coach Anthony Muhnisky said. "It will pick them up to a different level. I'm hoping that it leads to some success in the spring, as well."

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